The beloved, gentle giant Harry in the 1987 film Harry and the Hendersons was brought to life by Kevin Peter Hall, a talented actor and physical performer who imbued the character with surprising depth and emotion despite being hidden beneath layers of elaborate makeup and prosthetics. While several individuals contributed to the creature’s creation, Hall was the principal actor responsible for Harry’s physicality and much of his nuanced performance.
The Man Behind the Mask: Kevin Peter Hall
Hall’s portrayal of Harry transcends the simple classification of a “monster” movie role. He masterfully conveyed the creature’s innocence, curiosity, and eventual affection for the Henderson family. His physical presence, combined with carefully crafted facial expressions achieved through groundbreaking animatronics, made Harry a truly memorable character.
Hall wasn’t just a tall actor stuffed into a suit. He was a trained martial artist and dancer, skills that allowed him to create a believable and expressive physicality for Harry. He studied primate behavior to inform his movements, adding another layer of authenticity to the role. This dedication is evident in Harry’s awkward yet endearing gait, his inquisitive head tilts, and his surprisingly gentle interactions with the Hendersons.
His work on Harry and the Hendersons stands as a testament to the power of physical acting and the ability of a performer to connect with an audience even when obscured by heavy makeup and prosthetics. While special effects wizards deserve credit for creating the physical creature, it was Hall’s performance that truly brought Harry to life. Sadly, Kevin Peter Hall passed away in 1991, making this performance all the more poignant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Harry and the Hendersons
These FAQs offer a deeper dive into the world of Harry and the Hendersons, addressing common questions and exploring the film’s lasting impact.
Character Creation & Development
Q1: How was Harry’s look created?
Harry’s design was a collaborative effort between Rick Baker’s Cinovation Studios and the film’s director, William Dear. Baker, a renowned makeup artist, won an Academy Award for his work on the film. The design process involved numerous sketches, sculptures, and tests to create a creature that was both believable and sympathetic. The final design combined elements of Bigfoot lore with Baker’s artistic vision. The costume itself was incredibly complex, requiring several people to operate and maintain.
Q2: Was the costume heavy and difficult to wear?
Absolutely. The Harry costume weighed a considerable amount, reportedly around 70-80 pounds. This, coupled with the heat generated inside the suit and the limited visibility, made it an extremely challenging role for Kevin Peter Hall. Hall often had to take breaks between takes to avoid overheating and exhaustion.
Q3: Did other actors contribute to Harry’s performance besides Kevin Peter Hall?
Yes. While Kevin Peter Hall was the primary actor providing Harry’s physicality, other performers contributed to specific aspects of the character. Mime performer Oreste Baldini provided some of Harry’s facial expressions and vocalizations. This collaboration allowed the filmmakers to create a richer and more expressive character. The blending of Hall’s physical acting with Baldini’s expressive techniques truly elevated Harry’s performance.
Q4: How did they achieve Harry’s facial expressions?
Harry’s facial expressions were a marvel of animatronic engineering. Rick Baker’s team created a complex system of cables, motors, and hydraulics that allowed for a wide range of expressions to be controlled remotely. This allowed for subtle nuances in Harry’s performance that would have been impossible to achieve with a static mask.
The Production & Impact of the Film
Q5: Was Harry and the Hendersons a box office success?
Yes, Harry and the Hendersons was a significant box office success. Released in 1987, the film grossed over $60 million domestically, proving that audiences were captivated by the story of a family who befriends a Bigfoot. The film’s success spawned a television series and cemented Harry’s place in pop culture history.
Q6: Did Harry and the Hendersons win any awards?
Yes, the film won the Academy Award for Best Makeup in 1988. This award recognized the groundbreaking work of Rick Baker and his team in creating the realistic and expressive Harry character. The win solidified the film’s status as a landmark achievement in special effects.
Q7: What is the main message of Harry and the Hendersons?
At its heart, Harry and the Hendersons is a story about acceptance, compassion, and the importance of understanding those who are different from us. The film encourages viewers to look beyond outward appearances and to appreciate the inherent worth of all living beings. It’s a family-friendly film with a surprisingly profound message.
Q8: Where was Harry and the Hendersons filmed?
Harry and the Hendersons was primarily filmed in Washington State, utilizing the lush forests and scenic landscapes to create a believable Bigfoot habitat. Specific locations included the Snoqualmie National Forest and various towns in the Puget Sound region. The Pacific Northwest provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s story.
Beyond the Film: Legacy & Influence
Q9: Did Harry and the Hendersons have a television series?
Yes, a television series based on the film, also titled Harry and the Hendersons, aired from 1991 to 1993. While the series featured a different actor playing Harry (Bruce Matheson took over the role), it continued the story of the Henderson family and their ongoing adventures with their Sasquatch friend. The TV series helped to keep the character of Harry alive in the popular consciousness.
Q10: How did Harry and the Hendersons influence other films featuring creatures or monsters?
Harry and the Hendersons helped to pave the way for more sympathetic and nuanced portrayals of creatures and monsters in film. The film demonstrated that audiences were receptive to stories that humanized these characters and explored their emotional lives. Films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial had a similar impact, but Harry and the Hendersons specifically influenced films featuring large, hairy creatures.
Q11: Where can I watch Harry and the Hendersons today?
Harry and the Hendersons is available for rent or purchase on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies & TV. It is also occasionally broadcast on television channels. Check your local listings for availability.
Q12: What is the legacy of Harry and the Hendersons?
The legacy of Harry and the Hendersons lies in its enduring appeal to audiences of all ages. The film’s heartwarming story, memorable characters, and groundbreaking special effects continue to resonate with viewers today. It is a testament to the power of family, friendship, and acceptance, and a reminder that even the most unlikely creatures can become part of our lives. It remains a beloved classic that continues to inspire and entertain.